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About Bill S. 534, the Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

By USA Swimming | Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Dear Members,

On February 14, 2018, Senate bill S. 534 – Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 – was signed into law and became effective immediately.

The legislation amends the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 and the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 and, among other things: (i) extends reporting duties; (ii) expands civil remedies; and (iii) designates the United States Center for SafeSport (the “Center”) to serve as the independent national safe sport organization.

Notably, the legislation requires USA Swimming and its adult members to report suspected child abuse, including sexual abuse, to local or federal law enforcement or to a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department within 24 hours. A failure to report is subject to criminal penalties.

Additionally, and pursuant to Article 306 of USA Swimming’s Rules, all USA Swimming Covered Individuals (as defined by the Center: http://safesport.org/files/details/27) must report to the Center conduct that could constitute (a) sexual misconduct, (b) misconduct that is reasonably related to the underlying allegation of sexual misconduct and (c) retaliation related to an allegation of sexual misconduct.